Tag Archives: Auditions

Hello and welcome to the No Drama Summer Production 2017. I am very proud and honoured to have been given this opportunity to direct a wonderful band of actors in this fantastic play with my talented, insightful Assistant Director Adam Walsh.

So, the search for the cast begins…

This play is an emotional montage of hope, hurt, betrayal, love, rivalry, ambition, deceit, pride, conceit, determination and on and on, all compounded within the debate of Art versus Science. The past versus the future, the pursuit of knowledge and the value and importance of human relationships.

Auditions will be held in the school onSUN 26th March (4pm – 8pm)
& TUES 28th March (7pm – 10pm)Please be advised that the process may run on longer than these times (Bring a snack)
Tea and coffee will be provided.

All members of No Drama are invited to come along and audition, it’s a great learning experience for future auditions you may have in your acting career. The casting panel will be made up of myself, Adam Walsh and Declan Ryan. We will be looking for versatility, ability to take direction, focus, commitment, enthusiasm and respect for yourself, your fellow actors and the script.

“An Experiment with an Air Pump “ is an English play set in two different eras, 200 years apart. We would ask you to audition in a neutral accent and focus on the emotion in the script and movement in the space rather than worry about accents or where you are from.

I hope you will have fun during the audition process and try different things. The characters are below with a brief description.

You can choose up to two characters to audition for.
Please email me your preferred characters.

Please note that you may be asked to read for another character on the day.

Auditionees need to be aware that the character of Isobel is most challenging and age for this performance is irrelevant. I would encourage all the female auditionees to try out for it.

For the characters of Joseph Fenwick and Susannah Fenwick… these will double up and play the roles of Ellen and Tom. You will be required to learn and deliver a short monologue for your audition.

Also the role of Armstrong will double up and also play the role of Tom. Likewise Harriet and Kate will be played by the same actor.

Thanks everyone, any questions please fire them my way and I shall answer as best I can.

Looking forward to seeing you all,Louise.

CHARACTER DESCRIPTIONS

1799

Joseph Fenwick, (mid 40s -50s-60s) Physician, scientist, radial, cynical, self assured. Dismissive of his wife and focused on his work

Judge Omar Gaffney: Middle Aged; legally represents the Dowd family’s efforts to have Elwood committed and take over his inheritance

Female:

Veta Louise Simmons: 30’s-40; Elwood’s older widowed sister, sees herself as a high flying figure in society, but comes across as being a bit too desperate, hopes to have Elwood committed in order to get his inheritance. Closest thing the play has to an antagonist.

Myrtle Mae Simmons: 18-20; Veta’s bratty spoiled daughter, wants nothing but a rich husband and life of unearned luxury, she despises her Uncle Elwood and his best friend Harvey.

Nurse Ruth Kelly: Competent member of Chumley’s Rest’s staff, has taken an interest in Dr Sanderson, but can have her head turned by another……

Supporting Characters:

Mrs Ethel Chauvenet: Elderly female, good friend with Elwood’s and Veta’s recently deceased mother – very well to do and ‘posh’.

Betty Chumley: 30’s-40’s Female; Dr Chumley’s wife, kind and friendly to all she encounters she is quite taken with Elwood when she meets him.

You will then receive an extract from the script to allow for audition preparation.

Please state if there is any character you would really like to be considered for or any you don’t want to be considered for. If this is not stated, it will be left up to the director’s discretion.

Directors Note:
“Don’t be put off by my age descriptions, this really is my interpretation of the characters on the page – I fully expect this to be challenged and my mind blown with the sheer level of talent that exists in this group.”